This has been an exceptional winter for my laying hens. This is the first time we have not had to buy a single store bought egg all winter since we have had been in the chicken business. Now we have gone from one egg every other day or so to a two egg day. It may be some of the coldest weather of the year, but two eggs in a single day is a sign that we are on our way to spring.
Feb
5
2014
Yes, it’s a great feeling when you don’t have to buy eggs in a store, worrying over production techniques etc. Congratulations!
Do you think a factor is the chicken varieties you have this year?
We’ve had an exceptionally mild winter and very few eggs, for the first time in 10 years. Go figure.
It is usually feast or famine.
We have had excellent laying this winter as well. We had one spurt in early Dec where it declined to almost nothing, but it has been great since then. We do supplement heat (we didn’t in Dec and had tons of frostbite). I have talked to two other people in our area and they have had great laying as well. Interesting with such a cold winter.
I truly wonder what it is this year. I don’t do supplemental light or heat. Some years I have a slow month, some years it is famine from November to March, and this year I expected the same when 4 started to molt in November. The remaining two never stopped laying in spite of like you some record breaking cold.
My hens have been laying really well, too, but I have a light on all the time to help heat up the coop a bit. I think that helps.
They say that light makes a huge difference. I have never used supplemental light, so I have always figured I got as good as I gave. If they needed a rest, it was ok, but it sure is nice when they don’t all take a rest at the same time.
I was just talking to someone this morning who was complaining about her hens not laying! Your success would make her envious!
This is so exciting for me as it is a first for me.
At this point, as I get ready to go out and shovel snow, I’ll take any sign of spring! Enjoy those fresh eggs.